Meaning: In this context, 'question' refers to the consideration or aspect of the business strategy that was not focused on high-cost advertising and packaging.

Wrong options:

• perspective: 'Perspective' refers to a viewpoint or angle of consideration, which does not fit the context of something being absent or out of reach in this scenario.
• question: This option is the correct answer, as explained above.
• picture: 'Picture' implies a visual representation or scenario, which does not convey the idea of absence in the context of financial resources and marketing strategies.
• frame: 'Frame' suggests a structure or boundary, which does not align with the idea of something being out of consideration.

Correct answer: got round

Explanation: The phrase 'got round' is an idiomatic expression meaning to become widely known or to spread, which fits the context of the products gaining popularity. It is grammatically correct as it follows the past tense structure of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Got round' means that news or information about the products spread widely, leading to increased sales and success.

Wrong options:

• took off: 'Took off' implies a sudden success or rapid increase, but it does not fit the context of gradual spreading of information as effectively as 'got round'.
• went away: 'Went away' suggests something disappearing, which is contrary to the intended meaning of products becoming popular.
• passed on: 'Passed on' typically means to relay information or to transfer something, which does not convey the idea of widespread acceptance or popularity.

Correct answer: involved

Explanation: The word 'involved' is an adjective that describes the owners of franchises as being actively engaged in the company. This fits grammatically and contextually, as it indicates their participation and commitment to the business.

Meaning: 'Involved' means being engaged or participating actively in something, indicating that franchise owners played a significant role in the company.

Wrong options:

• incorporated: 'Incorporated' refers to forming a legal corporation, which does not fit the context of active participation in the business.
• implicated: 'Implicated' suggests being involved in a negative context, which does not align with the positive engagement described here.
• infiltrated: 'Infiltrated' implies entering secretly or surreptitiously, which does not convey the intended meaning of active and positive involvement.

Correct answer: pooled

Explanation: The word 'pooled' is used here as a verb meaning to combine resources or information for mutual benefit. It fits grammatically and contextually, indicating collaboration among all parties involved.

Meaning: 'Pooled' means to gather together resources or information from different sources to benefit everyone involved.

Wrong options:

• pocketed: 'Pocketed' implies taking something for oneself, which does not fit the collaborative context of sharing resources.
• pasted: 'Pasted' suggests sticking something together, which does not convey the idea of combining resources or information effectively.
• piled: 'Piled' means to stack or accumulate, which does not capture the collaborative essence of sharing and combining resources.

Correct answer: channels

Explanation: The word 'channels' fits as a noun referring to means of communication. It is grammatically correct and contextually appropriate, indicating that there were multiple ways for information to flow within the company.

Meaning: 'Channels' refers to the methods or pathways through which communication occurs, suggesting that communication was open and accessible.

Wrong options:

• passages: 'Passages' typically refers to sections of text or physical routes, which does not fit the context of communication methods.
• branches: 'Branches' implies divisions or parts of a larger entity, which does not convey the idea of communication pathways effectively.
• courses: 'Courses' suggests paths or directions, but it does not specifically relate to communication as clearly as 'channels' does.